The ongoing Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom national youth tournament heads to Nanyuki for the Central regional finals next weekend. New champions will be crowned in the boys’ category after last season’s winners Euronuts from Kiambu were edged out of the tournament at the group stage. Barcelona FC from Laikipia, who have since rebranded themselves to Falling Waters, are looking forward to defending their title in the girls’ category after successfully securing a slot for the regional finals.
“We are happy to be back to discover and unearth raw talent through Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom, kicking off the year in Nanyuki for the Central regional finals. I urge the fans to turn up in large numbers to be part of the two-day event,” said Naaman Amboka, Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom Central region coordinator.
A total of eight teams qualified for the regional finals. The winners will walk away with a cash prize of Kshs. 200,000 and an opportunity to represent the Central region in the national finals. The runners-up on the other hand will receive Kshs. 100,000 each with a host of individual prizes to be won. The players will also attend life skills and mentorship sessions where they will be equipped with the knowledge on how to live life beyond the pitch.
Already, North Eastern’s Berlin FC from Garissa and Coast region’s Yanga FC from Malindi and Kwale Ladies have booked their spots for the national finals where Kshs. 1,000,000 is up for grabs. This season, two coaching and scouting clinics conducted by certified La Liga coaches are featuring in the tournament. The first one was held in Mombasa and the next one is set for 22nd -23rd February in Nairobi.
An all star team comprising sixteen girls and boys respectively will at the end of the regional finals be selected to attend a ten day training camp in Spain during which they will play friendly matches against top Spanish La Liga football academies.